We explore the range of traditional natural colors used in early Indonesian batik as well as the plants used to make them. We see the influence between the design motifs and the lives of the artisan makers who make these rich patterned cloths.
The Artisan and their Craft
Once we have explored the process of batik, we move on to look at the work of four talented artisans and groups making a living with batik. We look at historical patterns being masterfully recreated, as well as contemporary styles influenced by a love of Asian Art.
The film “BATIK OF JAVA: A VISUAL JOURNEY” offers a wonderful overview into the national treasure of Indonesia. A wonderful opportunity to learn batik visually, and an excellent basis for moving on to appreciate some of the many books on batik, surface design, and Indonesian Art & Culture.
With thanks to the Asian Art Museum (San Francisco), the American Indonesian Cultural & Educational Foundation (New York), Wayne Forrest, Annegret Haake, Brigitte Willach, Rudolf Smend, Inger McCabe Elliott, Sue & Dennis Richardson, the World Shibori Network, Yoshiko Wada, The Indonesian Consulate of San Francisco, Gwen Jones and Hafidz Effendi for their support and assistance in this project.